Trump calls on Ukraine to stop targeting Russian refineries as both countries trade strikes
Trump Calls on Ukraine to Stop Targeting Russian Refineries
Wertynews.com – Trump calls on Ukraine to stop attacking Russian diesel fuel facilities, saying the strikes are contributing to fuel shortages inside Russia as Moscow and Kyiv continue exchanging long-range drone attacks.
President Trump made the remarks Sunday while in Ireland for the Irish Open. Asked whether he had contacted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump focused on Ukraine’s campaign against Russian refineries and fuel infrastructure.
“Mr. Zelensky has to do one thing. He has to stop knocking out diesel fuel in Russia,” Trump said. “Let him go after targets but not diesel fuel, because he's causing a shortage of diesel fuel.”
Ukraine targets Russian fuel infrastructure
Ukraine has expanded its use of long-range drones against Russian oil, gas and refining assets. Kyiv considers the energy sector important to Russia’s ability to finance and sustain its invasion, while the attacks have disrupted fuel supplies in a country that is among the world’s major oil and gas exporters.
Fuel rationing has appeared in some Russian areas as the drone campaign has grown. Ukrainian strikes have also reached online retail businesses and other infrastructure far from the front line, reflecting Kyiv’s effort to impose economic costs inside Russia.
Trump calls on Ukraine to stop targeting diesel facilities, but he said Ukraine could still pursue other targets. His comments came as Russia continued pressing attacks on Ukrainian cities, transport networks and critical infrastructure.
Drone Strikes Continue Across Russia and Ukraine
Local officials in Russia’s Tatarstan region said two people were killed during drone strikes. In Ukraine, Russian drones struck the Black Sea port city of Odesa, while authorities responded to a fire near a crossing on the Polish border.
Russia has intensified its aerial campaign in recent weeks, using ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones in attempts to challenge Ukrainian air defenses. Ukrainian officials have warned that supplies of missile interceptors are increasingly strained.
Ukraine’s power network has remained a major target as winter approaches. Officials say Russian attacks are intended to damage energy capacity and increase pressure on civilians by threatening electricity and heating supplies during colder weather.
Train Near Poland Border Damaged
A Russian drone struck a train near the Ukraine-Poland border shortly after the rail route had been used by Western visitors returning from Kyiv. Ukrainian rail operator Ukrzaliznytsia said the attack happened at Yahodyn and damaged the train’s engine.
No injuries were reported, and passengers had already been evacuated. Russia said it had struck railway infrastructure in western Ukraine, describing the network as a route used to move military cargo from European countries.
The route had recently carried former CIA Director David Petraeus, former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt and other European security advisers after a conference in Kyiv. Ukrzaliznytsia said the train departed earlier than expected because of ongoing concerns about Russian attacks.
“Quite possibly, the target of this drone could have been the diplomatic train, which had left the station earlier than expected because of the timetable change... due to constant threats of Russian strikes,” Ukrzaliznytsia said.
Johnson condemned the strike on social media and questioned why Ukraine still lacked sufficient air-defense support.
“I don't know what warped logic drove Putin to blow up a stationary Ukrainian locomotive on the Polish border this morning,” Johnson said.
Russia Signals Possible Talks
Despite the continuing attacks, Moscow has indicated that another attempt at negotiations could be possible in the coming months. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia was not ruling out peace talks involving Russia, Ukraine and the United States.
Trump calls on Ukraine to stop attacks on Russian diesel fuel facilities while the wider conflict continues to show how both sides are using drones and missiles to strike energy, transport and civilian infrastructure far beyond the battlefield.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Trump call on Ukraine to stop targeting Russian refineries?
Trump said strikes on Russian diesel fuel facilities were creating diesel shortages in Russia. He said Ukraine could pursue other targets but should avoid diesel infrastructure.
Why does Ukraine strike Russian oil and gas facilities?
Ukraine views Russian energy assets as important sources of revenue and support for Russia’s war effort. The attacks are also intended to disrupt fuel production and logistics inside Russia.
What happened near the Ukraine-Poland border?
A Russian drone damaged the engine of a train near Yahodyn after passengers had been evacuated. No injuries were reported.